Termites are present in Michigan and pose a significant threat to wooden structures across the state. These wood-destroying insects are often misunderstood, leading many homeowners to underestimate the risk they represent. Termites feed on cellulose, the main structural component of wood, and their presence can result in costly and extensive structural damage if left unaddressed. Understanding the specific species active in the region and recognizing the signs of their activity is the first step in protecting a home.
Species of Termites Active in Michigan
The primary termite species found in Michigan is the Eastern Subterranean Termite, scientifically known as Reticulitermes flavipes. This species is considered the most serious wood-destroying pest in the region, causing millions of dollars in damage annually. Unlike species found in warmer climates, the Eastern Subterranean Termite maintains its colony in the soil, which helps it survive Michigan’s colder winters below the frost line. These termites are social insects that build extensive underground colonies, which can contain millions of individuals. They must maintain constant contact with the moist soil, which is why they construct protected pathways to food sources. The reproductive caste, known as swarmers or alates, typically emerges in late spring or early summer to establish new colonies.
Identifying Termite Infestation Clues
Detecting a subterranean termite infestation relies on identifying the physical evidence they leave behind, as they consume wood from the inside out. One of the most recognizable signs is the presence of mud tubes, also called shelter tubes. These pencil-sized, earth-colored tunnels are constructed by worker termites and serve as protected runways between the underground colony and the wooden food source. These tubes are commonly found running along concrete foundation walls, crawl spaces, basement joists, or any hard surface separating the soil from the wood.
Another major clue is the discovery of discarded wings, shed by the swarmers after their brief mating flight. Piles of translucent, shed wings near windowsills, doors, or light sources often indicate that a mature colony is established nearby. The damage caused to wood is also a telltale sign, though often hidden until an infestation is advanced. Termites consume the softer springwood, creating hollowed-out galleries that run parallel to the wood grain. Tapping on infested wood may produce a hollow or papery sound because only a thin veneer of wood or paint is left intact on the surface.
Prevention and Professional Treatment Overview
Preventing a subterranean termite infestation centers on environmental control, primarily by eliminating sources of excess moisture and reducing wood-to-soil contact. Homeowners should take several steps to mitigate risk:
- Ensure that gutters and downspouts direct water away from the foundation to prevent soil saturation near the structure.
- Fix leaky plumbing and ensure proper ventilation in crawl spaces to reduce the high moisture content that termites prefer.
- Remove any wood that is in direct contact with the ground, such as support posts or formwork.
- Store firewood, lumber, or debris piles at least 20 feet away from the house foundation, as these provide a direct bridge and food source.
Regular, professional inspections are highly recommended, as termites can operate undetected for years, especially in slab construction homes. Dealing with an established colony typically requires professional intervention due to the subterranean nature of the pest. Professional treatment generally involves two primary methods: liquid soil treatments and baiting systems.
Liquid Soil Treatments
Liquid termiticides, such as non-repellent chemicals, are applied to the soil around the home’s perimeter to create a continuous chemical barrier. Termites passing through this treated zone are eliminated. Some newer products allow for a delayed transfer effect that can spread the chemical back to the colony. Liquid barriers often last up to a decade, offering effective long-term control.
Baiting Systems
Baiting systems utilize stations placed strategically in the soil around the property where they are monitored for termite activity. Once termites begin feeding on the material inside, the bait is replaced with a slow-acting toxicant. Workers consume this toxicant and carry it back to the colony. This method targets the colony directly, achieving elimination over time and remaining effective indefinitely with ongoing monitoring.